Kaylad 2.0 electric tricycle concept

There's still more good news for those of the opinion that electric bicycles are precisely 50-percent wheel-deficient: designer Dimitris Niavis has unveiled a concept for a new electric-assisted tricycle, named the Kaylad 2.0

There's still more good news for those of the opinion that electric bicycles are precisely 50-percent wheel-deficient. Designer Dimitris Niavis has unveiled a concept for a new electric-assisted tricycle, named the Kaylad 2.0.

Though yet to be realized, Kaylad 2.0's spec is fairly specific, boasting a 250-W electric motor which can provide three degrees of variable assistance (plus the option to turn it off entirely) and a lithium battery.

The inclusion of LED lights, hydraulic disc brakes, tubeless tires and removable mirrors are befitting the trike's modern (nay, oddball) design. Niavis appears to be keeping one eye on practicality, though: the Kaylad 2.0 is designed with an upright rider posture in mind, an in-built horn ups the design's safety, and the trike's 7 gears sound about right for a spot of urban traversal.

The concept also includes a secure luggage holder or optionally a "K-trolley" heavy-duty container that can be mounted on the front of the bicycle.

Though Niavis reports that a working prototype is in the works it remains to be seen if Kaylad 2.0 will join the Veliac Three, Deliver-E Trike and the Rennholz among the ranks of electric three-wheelers that have made it at least as far as physical reality.

James lives in East London where he punctuates endless tea drinking with freelance writing and meteorological angst. Unlocking Every Extend Extra Extreme’s “Master of Extreme” achievement was the fourth proudest moment of his life. All articles by James HollowayFollow @jamesholloway

8 Comments

at least the two at the front one at the back wheel configuration makes it a lot more stable....looks good.

floccipaucinihilipilification 22nd June, 2012 @ 02:10 am PDT

The Kaylad 2.0 is the ugliest electric-assisted tricycle I have seen to-date. Of all designs shown so far, my preference is the Veliac Three.

ashbrook 22nd June, 2012 @ 09:43 am PDT

It surely looks all "retro-futuristic (which is cool) but the 'tadpole' style of trike (two wheels up front, one in rear) has been around for decades - mostly as delivery bikes in larger cities.

Bob Fately 22nd June, 2012 @ 09:49 am PDT

I have a Di Blasi folding tricycle which is absolutely fantastic. It also comes in an electric model. I've never seen it mentioned in your mag but it is definitely top of the line. A bit expensive but the best money I've ever spent. I live in a city with great bike paths and am a senior with walking limitations. I can fold it and put it in the car easily (23kg). It has set me free.

I own a couple 2front wh 3wh EV's and this one is the ugliest I've ever seen. Also one better not turn fast or splat. You can run that high CG in a trike of any type and turn at over a few mph.

jerryd 22nd June, 2012 @ 04:46 pm PDT

You're better off with a recumbent. Safety? Not having your head drop from 5 feet up helps a lot.

Bert Ober 23rd June, 2012 @ 12:14 am PDT

jerryd, this trike allows you to lean in a corner. See the picture where the front wheels are on different levels. It works like a Piaggio trike. It should be very stable w/ 2 front wheels for added braking and steering. As nice as it is, I prefer a recumbent trike, delta or tadpole.

kuryus 23rd June, 2012 @ 03:50 am PDT

This has the look of yet another designer set loose with a shortage of bike engineering knowhow and some decent skills with 3d modeling software. High center of gravity with a narrow tadpole trike configuration is an invitation to a bad crash. Also the fashionable spoke pattern would be disastrous on a non leaning trike like this with huge side loads on the wheels.